Winemaking presented as an opportunity for students as entrepreneurs

Nov. 21, 2013

Photo by Daniel Jansouzian

Written by

Daniel Jansouzian

Contributing Writer

Students learned about the advantages of winemaking and a study abroad opportunity to Argentina in one of several classes offered as a part of global entrepreneurship week on Tuesday.

Rachel Wilson, entrepreneurship professor, showed students that in a massive global economy that are hundreds of opportunities for entrepreneurs across the world.

She pointed out that while America’s global economic standing is $16.2 trillion and has been growing in recent years, the global economy is $72 trillion. This means $56 trillion is left after you measure America’s standing.

She said global issues like poverty and food shortage gives entrepreneurs the ability to make technological advancements while still making a difference. She also pointed out the hot areas of International trade, such as education, engineering and health care.

“Entrepreneurs see gaps of opportunity,” she said. “They can see over the mayhem and hubbub of everyday life.”

This led the class into winemaking, just one of many opportunities for entrepreneurs. The industry has grown in recent years with many celebrities like Nancy Pelosi and David Beckham opening up their own vineyards. This means there is something drawing people into the wine industry

Wilson said it is not the profit, seeing as there is only a 7 percent profit margin in the business. She said winemaking is a lifestyle business. People get to open vineyards in some of the most beautiful places on earth, because wine can only be grown in mild climates with distinct seasons and loose soil.

Argentina is one of these places. Several years ago winemakers discovered that Argentinian climates resemble that of Europe’s and so European vineyards moved to Argentina. That is why Wilson and Tony Johnston, agribusiness professor, take students to Argentina to study abroad every year.

Wilson emphasized the opportunities students will have on the trip to meet successful entrepreneurs, get a new perspective on a different culture and, of course, taste wine.

“Just for a couple weeks you stop living in your American culture and you start learning how different nations work,” she said.

Miranda McBride, sophomore public relations major, said the lecture gave her a new perspective on entrepreneurship and opportunities in her own prospective career.

“I learned that there is a lot more going on in the world than I think about,” she said.

To follow up on global entrepreneurship week on Friday the business idea competition finalists will compete and Elliott Wahle, former president of Babies “R” Us, will speak at 1 p.m. Wilson said the goal of these events this year was to get more departments involved.

“There are opportunities for all people from all walks of life in entrepreneurship, not just business,” she said. “We have seen participation from other faculty and colleges [this year.] I think our goal has been succeeded.”